Illinois notebook: Linebacker Martez Wilson thinking big’

John Supinie

Tuesday

Aug 31, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 31, 2010 at 8:39 AM

Illinois middle linebacker Martez Wilson admitted he learned his lessons the hard way, and he's not yet done anything big. That didn't keep him from setting big goals heading into his junior season and fourth year in the program.

Illinois middle linebacker Martez Wilson admitted he learned his lessons the hard way, and he's not yet done anything big. That didn't keep him from setting big goals heading into his junior season and fourth year in the program.

With the season opener against Missouri in St. Louis on Saturday (11:30 a.m., Fox Sports Midwest, Comcast Sports Net Plus), Wilson rattled off a list of lofty expectations for himself after recovering from a neck injury that forced him to miss every game but the opener last season.

"As a team, I want to win the Big Ten and go to a bowl game,'' Wilson said. "I want to win the Butkus (Award), get over 100 tackles, a sack a game, three to four forced fumbles, two to three interceptions. As far as tackles for a loss, as many as possible.

"I think big. I don't set anything low. I'm a big dreamer. I want to live those dreams. I challenge myself. I'm not afraid of a challenge.''

Although he made 69 tackles as a sophomore in 2008, Wilson played his way out of the lineup toward the end of that season, and he still hasn't lived up to the hype he brought to Illinois as a USA Today All-American from Chicago Simeon High School. When he arrived on campus, Wilson was considered, like classmate Arrelious Benn, as the next big thing. Benn is already catching passes in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I did have struggles,'' Wilson said. "I did do things that allowed me to not be successful on the field. I could have done better. Experience is learned from mistakes. I learned a lot from mistakes. This being my fourth year, I'm definitely ready for the challenge.''

Depth chart

With key injuries to cornerback Terry Hawthorne (broken foot) and safety Supo Sanni (ruptured Achilles), the Illini were forced to juggle the defensive backfield. In the last week, the starters changed at three of the four positions.

Former running back Justin Green was listed at the starter at one cornerback spot with veteran Travon Bellamy the other starting corner. Former wide receiver Jack Ramsey plus Miami Thomas and Pat Nixon-Youman provide depth at corner. Cornerback Tavon Wilson moved to safety because it's a better spot for him to lead the defensive backfield, coach Ron Zook said.

Carrying the load

In his first college start last season, Missouri junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the 37-9 win over Illinois. With all the juggling on defense, the Illinois offense wants to take some pressure off.

"Playing with a lead and being able to play a little loose and not so tight will help those guys,'' said Illini running back Mikel Leshoure. "We definitely feel like we can help our defense out by putting up points, moving the ball and staying out on the field for a long time.''

Etc.

Zook tried to set a happy mood to start his press conference Tuesday, even though Illinois' list of injured also include fullback/tight end Zach Becker, tackle Corey Lewis, tight end Russ Ellington (shoulder) and linebacker Nate Palmer (toe). Said Zook: "I got some breaking news. To my knowledge, no one has gotten hurt in the last 36 hours. I don't think anyone got hurt going to class.''

Wide receivers Darius Millines and Ryan Lankford, fullback Jay Prosch, defensive end Brandon Denmark and linebackers Jonathan Brown and Houston Bates are freshman who will likely play in the opener Saturday, Zook said.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.

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